Referee Directors Message - Fall 2014

Referee Directors Message - Fall 2014

BAYS REFEREE REPRESENTATIVES

The way too short summer is behind us and week number one of the new season is in the books!

I hope everyone enjoyed a very well deserved break and is ready to get rolling all over again.

I wanted to take this opportunity to welcome you all back and of course thank you for your contributions to BAYS. All of us on the administrative end know how difficult your job on the field can be and I wanted to be sure that you know how much your efforts are appreciated.

With the new season there are of course some points of emphasis that BAYS wants to remind you of and of course enforce accordingly.

Zero Tolerance Policy

1. No one, except the players, is to speak to the referee during or after the game. Exceptions: Coaches may ask questions before the game, call for substitutions and point out emergencies during the game, or respond to the referee if addressed.

2. Absolutely no disputing calls, during or after the game, no remarks to the referee to watch certain players or attend to rough play. NO YELLING at the referee, EVER, and no criticism, sarcasm, harassment, intimidation, or feedback of any kind during or after the game.

3. Violators may be ejected and are subject to disciplinary action by the BAYS Sportsmanship Review Committee.

4. If coaches or spectators have questions regarding particular calls, rules, or a referee, or wish to give feedback regarding a referee, please contact the town soccer club referee’s coordinator for the game in question, or contact the BAYS Referees Representative at Referees@bays.org

We as game officials set the tone for coach, player and fan conduct for the entire season. Failure to enforce league policies not only undermines the protection and sportsmanship rules established for us by BAYS, but also promotes the opportunity for our younger officials to be put in unacceptable situations. Enforcement of this policy is fundamental to referee retention and growth in our league. Let’s be sure we are all doing our part to enforce this very important policy.

When you are scoring your games for Zero Tolerance, please be sure that if you are going to mark a team or coach down in the rating that you have comments that will support your scoring. BAYS is beginning to hold coaches to a very high standard and if there are going to be coach suspensions based on you scores, your comments must support your scores. Keep in mind that you may be called to a hearing involving a suspension and you must be able to support your actions. BAYS will certainly back you up in any documented incident.

Uniforms

Please review the requirements and standards for the proper referee uniform and be sure you are in compliance. In addition to having the correct uniform, be sure you are wearing it properly. This includes socks that are pulled up, shirts that are tucked in and the correct shorts (all black).

Laws of the Game

Make sure you are reviewing the Laws of the Game on a regular basis as well as The Advice to Referees, Guide to Procedures and very importantly BAYS Rules of Competition. I have heard multiple accounts of referees not being familiar with our league's rules. You are being paid to know these. BAYS rules of competition can be found on the BAYS website under the "Current Rulebook" tab.

Game Day

Each of us has the responsibility of presenting ourselves in the most professional manner possible. This includes arriving at our games early enough to conduct a full safety inspection of the field and players. Make sure you are familiar with any BAYS “Rules of Competition” items that might differ from the “Laws of the Game”.

Please treat the players, coaches and fans with the same respect you want to be treated with. It is much easier for us to enforce issues.

Player Passcards

Are not required for the Fall season. You still need to check rosters for all games, however you do not need to ask for player passcards. The coach, or adult responsible for the team still is required to provide a passcard with a sticker for the current year.

Finally, BAYS has welcomed new towns into the league over the past couple of seasons. Northboro, has asked that any referees in towns surrounding theirs, please register on the BAYS website to be accepted for assignment in Northboro. This is a great opportunity to pick up some additional games on a week that you may not have an assignment.

In closing, I’d like to thank each of you for your contribution to BAYS and wish each of you a great and safe season!